Mom Caught on Video Abusing Son Sentenced to Jail

GREELEY, Colo. (Weld County DA) - The Weld County mother caught on video last year abusing her 2-year-old son was sentenced today in Weld County District Court.

Judge Dana Nichols sentenced Katrina Kennedy-Flores, 27, of Lochbuie, to 60 days in jail and 5 years supervised probation for misdemeanor child abuse. She was facing a 24-month jail sentence.

"Unfortunately, I've had to watch this reprehensible video several times, and it never gets easier," said Weld County District Attorney Michael Rourke. "The emotional and physical toll this little boy went through is unimaginable. And though we were pushing for a much lengthier jail sentence, I hope Mrs. Kennedy can learn from her mistakes and never put this boy in that position again."

Kennedy-Flores was arrested in May 2016 after a 16-minute video surfaced of her abusing the boy and threatening to kill him. According to the affidavit, she violently slammed a booster chair on or near the child as he laid in his playpen. She then began to hit him repeatedly.

She was also heard yelling "I'm going to kill you" and "You're going to die" after he apparently lost her phone charger. Pictures of the boy showed bruises to both arms and legs and on his forehead.

"The video speaks for itself," said Chief Deputy District Attorney Benjamin Whitney at today's sentencing. "You can see the boy's reaction. You can see the fear in his eyes, and he was terrified of her. And it goes on and on and on for 16 minutes. We don't know what kind of impact it will have on him long-term."

Kennedy-Flores must report to jail on January 10. Upon release, she must participate in several classes, including child abuse, victim empathy, making better choices and anger management. Only supervised therapeutic visits with her son will be allowed during the 5-year sentence.